The great escape: discover the all-inclusive beach retreat you need right now
For the ultimate in R&R a private, all-inclusive beach resort ticks all the restorative boxes. Read on for luxe getaway goals
With endless desert, breathtaking beaches, bustling souks and a history dating back thousands of years, Abu Dhabi has plenty to offer the cultivated traveller. Over the years, the capital has cemented itself as a luxurious holiday destination with a seemingly endless selection of premium hotels and resorts.
However for the ultimate Arabian getaway, and a truly restorative, revitalising break, the five-star Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi’s only ultra-all-inclusive resort – promising an unforgettable beachside retreat in a stunning part of the island.
To help you have an even more relaxing break, when you book your trip through British Airways Holidays, it will come with a raft of helpful benefits that will make sure your stay is as smooth and stress-free as possible from beginning to end. ATOL protected, with 24/7 support available throughout your trip, they come with enhanced hotel, car hire and travel measures. For even more flexibility, they are also available on a book now, pay later basis, with deposits from just £60pp, and the option to pay off the balance in as many instalments as you like*.
Here we explore just some of the many reasons to make this gorgeous resort next on your travel to-do list.
Idyllic interiors
Escape to the sanctuary of Rixos Premium Saadiyat, where Ottoman palaces meet authentic arabesque-style decor in a prime beachfront location. From the outside, the hotel looks a bit like a scene from a Wes Anderson film, with its light wash facade and symmetrical tree-lined pathways. Head inside, and you’ll be met with exotic elegance; royal blue and turquoise tones are paired with terracotta roofs and Turkish-style archways.
There are 288 rooms and 12 villas decorated with mosaic walls and swanky marble flooring, all of which come with beach, pool or garden views, luxurious rain showers, and soaking tubs. The hotel is also home to 12 premium villas with private or shared pools, beach access and butler services.
Delectable dining
One thing is for sure at Rixos Premium Saadiyat, you won’t be going hungry. The hotel has 11 restaurants and bars to choose from, including an all-day dining restaurant, Turquoise, where an all-you-can-eat-buffet is served for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are served until late evening and People’s, a casual eaterie. There’s also the option to dine at the a la carte restaurants for guests staying for three nights or more; choose from the Italian L’Olivo, seafood at Mermaid, for lunch and refreshments, and Asian Aja, where you can enjoy a live teppanyaki show for a small surcharge. There’s also Club House – an international à la carte restaurant reserved for Villa guests.
On- and off-site activities
When it comes for things to do during your stay at Rixos Premium Saadiyat, you’re spoiled for choice, both in and out of the resort. Your all-inclusive pass grants unlimited access to the in-resort water park and wave pool, and the lively main pool is adorned with sunbeds for ultimate relaxation, with the option to kick back around the adults-only pool at the spa for undisturbed poolside time. The hotel’s private beach is also only a few steps away; expect white sand and cobalt blue sea. While in the evenings, DJ performances and live music will keep you entertained.
The surrounding area is also rich with cultural activities, such as the newly-opened Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, which explores the historical, cultural and sociological significance through works dating back from ancient times to the modern day. You’re also only a stone’s throw away from the buzzy city centre, where you can stroll around traditional souks, get up close to supercars at Ferrari World, or visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the largest mosques in the world and a fine example of stunning Islamic architecture and design.
A world of wellness
Indulge in some R&R at the largest five-star Turkish-style spa on the island, where guests are encouraged to lean into nature through the sounds of flowing water and plant-grown skincare products. Pick from a menu of hammam and far-eastern treatments inspired by Turkish and Moroccan spa traditions, or slink into the traditional Turkish bath. The spa also houses Abu Dhabi’s only Snow Room, a treatment that helps to improve blood circulation and revive aching muscles.
Book your Arabian getaway at ba.com/rixossaadiyat
Why book with British Airways Holidays
For the best holiday experience, British Airways holidays are ATOL (5985) protected and come with a host of helpful benefits. A dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline can support you with any issues whilst you’re away, and if your plans change or the unexpected happens, they will prioritise getting you home as soon as possible. If your holiday is impacted by a major travel restriction you can cancel for a full and speedy refund, while if British Airways cannot fulfil your trip for any reason, they’ll ensure you receive a full refund within 14 days. You can secure your holiday with a deposit from just £60 per person and pay off the balance in as many instalments as you like (*deposit balance due seven weeks in advance for long haul and 28 days in advance for short haul breaks). While enhanced travel, hotel and car hire safety measures ensure you can enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind.
*T&Cs apply.